On World Aids Day, UN Women PNG staff visited two schools in Port Moresby, namely Gordon Secondary and Port Moresby National High School.  Students of the schools were called to assemble to hear the messages that were delivered around the theme ‘violence against women and girls – a day that should be consigned to history books’. 

Other crosscutting messages of HIV Aids, Human Rights, Gender Equality and Women Empowerment were widely discussed during the Question and Answer sessions. Students were keen to discuss domestic violence issues particularly violence against women and girls in homes and community with safety issues at all levels, impacts of HIV Aids in the community and exploring details of common causes with concerns linking to human violations.

At the country level the recent Bill on Equality and Participation and the fundamental reasons why having women in parliament was necessary for development in PNG were discussed, placing emphasis on people-based policies. Issues of cultural values practices including bride price embedded into village and family lifestyles and accepted beliefs were raised. 

The key messages delivered encouraged students to be agents of change and to ensure to be a part of a generation that can make a change in society.

Photo: UN Women PNG Country Programme Manager Dr Jeffery Buchanan presenting a package of ‘Access to Justice’ Publications and a 20 DVD set to the Deputy Principal, Academic of Port Moresby National High School, Mrs Gwaibo.